50th anniversary flag commemorates Vietnam war veterans

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class John Nieves Camacho
  • 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  Service members past and present gathered at the commissary here to pay tribute to Vietnam War veterans, and witness the unveiling of the 50th Anniversary Vietnam War Commemoration flag, Nov. 7, 2013.

Ret. Col. Ray Kleber was the guest speaker at the ceremony. Kleber served as the Seymour Johnson Air Force Base commander from 1973 until 1975.

"I spent 25 years of service flying fighters and being combat ready, waiting, to go to Vietnam and be able to fight in a war to do what I wanted to do when I first started my Air Force career," said Kleber. "Today, we remember the individuals who have made the ultimate sacrifice for this country."

Kleber added that the personnel working on military installations today are the real heroes.

More than 50 people, including a dozen Vietnam veterans, attended the event to bear witness to a flag unveiling for their contributions from years past.

"This was a very impressive ceremony, long overdue for a lot of my men," said Eric Cantu, Vietnam War veteran. "I'm a little bit stronger today because of some ceremonies I've been to and side projects I've been involved in. For any Vietnam Veteran who has not been exposed to this type of support and gratitude, I believe it would be overwhelming for them."

Col. Lamar Pettus, 4th Fighter Wing vice commander, reflected on the contribution of Service members past and present to conclude the ceremony.

"This flag symbolizes the sacrifices made by over 58,000 service members in Vietnam," Pettus said. "Those who didn't come home, who made the ultimate sacrifice and those who still bear the scars of their service there. We still have service men and women (overseas) fighting and although we are commemorating Vietnam today, it's important for us to remember that."

In honor of all veterans, more than 500 Airmen from Seymour Johnson Air Force Base will march in a Veterans Day parade in Downtown Goldsboro, N.C., Nov. 11 at 10 a.m.